The Basics Of Buying A Telescope

There is ​ a ​ moment in ​ the life of ​ any aspiring astronomer that it ​ is ​ time to ​ buy that first telescope. It’s exciting to ​ think about setting up your own viewing station whether that is ​ on the deck of ​ your home or having a ​ powerful but mobile telescope set up to ​ take to ​ the remove countryside to ​ really get a ​ good shot at some breath taking star gazing.

The last thing we would want to ​ do is ​ to ​ take away any of ​ the “fun” of ​ your hobby of ​ astronomy because the joy of ​ what we do as star gazers is ​ a ​ big part of ​ the appeal. But unlike many other hobbies, ours is ​ a ​ passion of ​ science, of ​ learning and of ​ discovery. And don’t kid yourself, even a ​ hobbyist with a ​ limited telescopic set up can see some amazing things in ​ the stars. So let’s be sure you invest in ​ a ​ solid piece of ​ equipment that you can continue to ​ grow with as your knowledge and ability as an astronomer grows. But how do we do that?

Meet the Geeks.Now we use the term “telescope geeks” lovingly because any of ​ us who are devoted to ​ our love of ​ astronomy eventually become telescope geeks. And these are the type of ​ people who will know exactly how to ​ evaluate your needs in ​ terms of ​ where you are right now and where you want to ​ go as your hobby grows with you. So if ​ you have not yet associated with a ​ local astronomy club, now is ​ the time to ​ do it.

Start rubbing elbows with people who live and breathe telescopes. Their input is ​ a ​ hundred times more reliable than what a ​ sales brochure or that salesman might have to ​ say because the “telescope geeks” have been where you are, made the mistakes and are eager to ​ help you avoid those same mistakes.

Size MattersIn the world of ​ telescopes, the sales people see, to ​ try to ​ baffle us with all the bells and whistles of ​ their hottest selling model. One of ​ the big check points that is ​ often pushed is ​ the amplification level of ​ the telescope lens. While that is ​ a ​ factor that is ​ worth noting, when it ​ comes to ​ a ​ telescope lens, the old phrase “size matters” is ​ a ​ good guideline.

Just remember that your telescope lens works best when it ​ takes in ​ the most light it ​ can from the object you are viewing. So the wider the diameter of ​ the lens, the better a ​ view you are going to ​ get. So don’t fall for the amplification level only. Carefully evaluate the lens size so you have the right fit for what you want to ​ do.

It Has to ​ Stand on Its Own Feet.If you are going to ​ set up a ​ permanent telescope station, then you can bolt the unit down so it ​ is ​ well supported. But many of ​ us have to ​ take our telescopes out into the country for optimum use. So the stand has to ​ be strong and flexible so we can set up the telescope on uneven turf but still feel secure that this important and expensive piece of ​ equipment is ​ going to ​ stand on its own without fear of ​ it ​ falling during our observation time.

We already mentioned strong and flexible as evaluation guides for the telescope stand but add in ​ ease of ​ use as well. You have to ​ be able to ​ set your telescope up and break it ​ down quickly and easily when you are on a ​ remote viewing. You may even find yourself setting up or taking down your telescope in ​ the dark or by lantern or flashlight if ​ you are taking advantage of ​ the great star displays in ​ the late night sky that make this hobby so exciting.

These are the basics of ​ what to ​ look for in ​ your new telescope. Finally, make sure the telescope can be enhanced and expanded without having to ​ throw the first unit away and buy something completely new. You want your telescope to ​ grow as your knowledge and skills grow. if ​ your first telescope meets all of ​ these requirements, you are off on the right foot on a ​ long and enjoyable career as an amateur astronomer.